Knoxville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Explains Why Bedsores May Be a Sign of Neglect
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure injuries, are a serious health concern for Knoxville nursing home residents. While not every bedsore is the result of neglect, these injuries are often preventable with proper care. When a Knoxville nursing home resident develops severe or untreated bedsores, it may raise important questions about the quality of care they are receiving.
Here we discuss why bedsores can be a warning sign of nursing home neglect and how an experienced Knoxville nursing home abuse lawyer can help protect your loved one’s rights.
What Are Bedsores?
Bedsores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue that develop when prolonged pressure reduces blood flow to an area of the body. They most commonly occur on the heels, hips, ankles, tailbone, and elbows of individuals who spend significant time in bed or in a wheelchair.
Without proper treatment, bedsores can become infected, worsen over time, and lead to serious medical complications.
Are Bedsores Preventable?
In many cases, bedsores are preventable. Knoxville nursing home staff are generally expected to assess Knoxville nursing home residents for their risk of developing pressure injuries and take appropriate preventive measures. Depending on a Knoxville nursing home resident’s condition, this may include regularly repositioning the resident, monitoring skin condition, providing adequate nutrition and hydration, and using pressure-relieving mattresses or cushions.
When these preventive measures are not provided, a Knoxville nursing home resident may face an increased risk of developing avoidable bedsores.
When Could Bedsores Be a Sign of Neglect?
The development of a bedsore does not automatically mean neglect occurred. However, severe, multiple, worsening, or untreated pressure injuries may indicate that a resident did not receive appropriate care.
In some Knoxville nursing home abuse cases, inadequate staffing, poor communication, or failures to follow a Knoxville nursing home resident’s care plan can contribute to preventable injuries. A thorough investigation is often necessary to determine exactly what happened.
How a Knoxville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
If you suspect that a loved one developed bedsores because of inadequate care in Knoxville, an experienced Knoxville nursing home abuse lawyer can investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury. An experienced Knoxville nursing home abuse lawyer can review medical records, care plans, staffing information, and other evidence to determine whether the nursing home failed to meet the appropriate standard of care.
An experienced Knoxville nursing home abuse lawyer can also communicate with the facility and insurance companies while helping your family understand your legal rights and options.
Finding Legal Help in Knoxville
If you believe your loved one has suffered preventable bedsores or other injuries while living in a nursing home in Knoxville, the experienced Knoxville nursing home abuse lawyers at Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC are here to help. The experienced Knoxville nursing home abuse lawyers at Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC are committed to fighting for Knoxville nursing home abuse victims.
Contact Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC today and speak with an experienced Knoxville nursing home abuse lawyer about your rights and legal options.